Instinctively, she attempted to push Bennett away, yet no matter how hard she tried, he remained still.

Feeling flustered, Claudia met his gaze, declaring, "I need to get out of the water."

Wearing a mischievous grin, Bennett queried, “I'm curious about the next chapter for those lead characters."

With a smile, he extended his hand, guiding the wet hair from Claudia's face behind her ear.

"It's not fair to leave a story unfinished, Claudia."

His chuckles caused Claudia's face to flush, making her feel as though she was under a searing sun.

Despite being in the water, she still felt very hot.

"I'll fill you in once I get out of the water."

The usually accommodating Bennett held his ground this time, pressing, "I want to hear it now."

As it turned out, Bennett could be a bit stubborn sometimes.

She had coaxed Bennett into this aquatic setting, yet now hesitated?

Was she being unreasonable?

Besides, it was just a fictional narrative, not a personal recount.

What was there to shy away from?

After a little self-encouragement, Claudia hesitated but went on with the story.

“Later, they hugged and did all the lovely things that people in love do."

"And what might that be?"

His query left Claudia at a loss for words.

Didn't he realize that he had gone too far?

She was consumed with embarrassment.

Bennett saw her cheeks flush, red like roses.

He felt an urge to caress them.

As the poem goes, "Gather ye rosebuds while ye may."

This sentiment fleetingly danced across Bennett's thoughts. Almost instinctively, he pulled her closer, drawing nearer to her ear, murmuring, “I want to do those lovely things with you too."